The English Folk Expo, which takes place in Manchester on 18–20 October, is currently seeking applications for its Artist Mentoring Programme 2019–2020.

The 12-month long programme, which is now in its second year, provides selected artists with the opportunity to learn key skills and grow their careers as musicians, teaching them how to seek funding and preparing for international touring.

On completion of the programme, artists will be at an ‘export-ready’ level. For the purposes of the programme, export ready means the artists have developed industry experience in terms of live performance, have an album release or one planned, a manager (or the skills to self-represent), an online presence, and a strategy for their career progression.

Over the course of the programme, the participants will study stage craft, recorded music, live touring, audience development, and business planning, and each individual will be assigned a personal mentor who will be in regular contact with them throughout the course. All mentors are folk and acoustic music professionals.

In addition to attending multiple folk music events and conferences throughout the programme, the participants will finish by attending, exhibiting and performing at the English Folk Expo in 2020.

The deadline for applications is Friday 14 June.

For further information, visit: www.englishfolkexpo.com.